It's
been a long time since we've seen a decent sim based on the destroyer. Task
Force 1942 was the last one that springs to mind. If you feel the same way,
get ready for Destroyer Command. The latest title from the shop that
built Panzer Command sim will put you in the captain's
chair of a US Navy destroyer or destroyer-escort. Start off in
command of a single hull and if you're successful you will receive promotions
and work your way up to a squadron or division of tin cans. The sim will let
you play in the Atlantic or Pacific. A career mode should enable you to play
through the entire war. Mission objectives include hunting U-boats, escorting
convoys, support marine landings, shore bombardments, and naval engagements
with other destroyers.

For
Fighting Steel players, you will be happy to learn that aircraft will be
featured in abundance in Destroyer Command. Fighter planes, torpedo bombers,
and the deadly kamikaze will prove tough foes for your DC crew. A lot of
flexibility is planned into the role you play in Destroyer Command. You may
choose to delegate orders from above or jump into the gunner's seat and pour
40mm lead into the strafing planes. Other weapons at your disposal should
include the 5-inch, 38 cal. guns, 40mm & 20mm AA, MK 14 torpedoes, and
every U-boat commander's nightmare, the depth charge.

Other
features include a scenario editor so you can script your own missions and a
3D camera view to watch your vesselfrom an outside angle. The biggest
and potentially most attractive feature is the special multiplay link with
Silent Hunter II. This type of interoperability between two sims has been
touted for a long time but has yet to appear in a naval sim. Jane's 688(I) was
originally said to have a companion sim in the wings, an Aegis sim. Then it
was Fleet Command. Electronic Arts hinted 688(I) would get an Under the Ice
expansion pack that would allow 688(I) to connect to Fleet Command but we were
never convinced they were serious--Fleet Command was a third person strategy-sim
while 688(I) was first person study sim all the way. I never saw the
similarities. Recently, M1 Tank Platoon 3 was scheduled for release after
Gunship! and they would connect for an e-battlefield between tanks and helos.
Didn't pan out. For current details, read the Silent
Hunter II - Destroyer Command Interop Report.

Should
Mattel Interactive/Mindscape/SSI and Ultimation make it to the finish line
with a relatively bug-free (note to dev team: QA with a users group)
destroyer sim that has the graphics represented in the screenshots, the
variety of missions and platforms, a random battle generator and fully dynamic
campaign mode, and multiplay with Silent Hunter II, there should be cause for
much celebrating in the land of naval sims.

Anticipated
release date: November 2001.Release dates subject to change at any time